Date Published:
January 4th, 2019
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), in an historic and ground-breaking role, will serve as the first woman and the first African American Chair of the powerful U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services.
“Auntie Maxine,” as she is affectionately called, was honored at a fête immediately following the installation of the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), led the celebration in a standing-room only event along with Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. and other luminaries, members of Congress, and invited guests. Pointing to portraits of past chairmen lining the walls of the Financial Services Committee room—all of whom were white and men—Hoyer and other speakers noted the historic moment and change taking place with Waters assuming the Chair position.
Chairwoman Waters has been a Member of Congress since 1991 and has always served on the Financial Services Committee. Noting she has served on each subcommittee at one time or another, Waters said, “I have worked hard to get here, I have prepared for this, and I am ready for it.”
Throughout her decades of public service, Chairwoman Waters has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color, and the poor. In her various leadership roles on the committee, she has championed public and affordable housing, while also fighting for the protection of consumers, investors, small businesses, and vulnerable populations. In a nod to her priorities, Chairwoman Waters also announced she will establish a new subcommittee focused on diversity.
CLPHA has long maintained a healthy working relationship with Rep. Waters and her staff, and we look forward to working with Chairwoman Waters in her new role.